The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Museum, together with the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and Kababaihan sa Sining at Bagong SIbol na Kamalayan (KASIBULAN), mounted the “Kalinga” (Nurture) exhibition at the UST Main Building Lobby on October 27, 2018. This event coincided with the celebration of the National Indigenous People’s Month in October.
Intended as a celebration of the culture of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines, “Kalinga” featured eighteen paintings that feature women in action from IP communities in the Philippines. Indigenous songs of praise and worship opened the program after the prayer. UST Museum Assistant Director Ar. John Carlo Sayco delivered the opening remarks and thanked the guests and artists from KASIBULAN who showcased their works.
Kasibulan founding member Ms. Anna Fer shared her insights about the exhibition’s theme “Kalinga”, while Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles highlighted the significance of gender awareness and development within indigenous cultures and the active role of women in IP communities.
NCCA Chair Prof. Felipe M. de Leon, Jr., highlighted the values that could be emulated from the indigenous communities, saying that they are, “Makalinga, maka-Diyos, malakas ang loob, at marunong” (Nurturing, God-fearing, courageous, and wise). The program was capped off with a presentation of Manobo and T’boli dances.
This collaborative project was coordinated by KASIBULAN President Ms. Rajelyn Bustamante and curated by UST College of Fine Arts and Design alumna Ms. Doris Rodriguez. The exhibition ran until November 21, 2018.
